The annexation of the Princely State of Junagarh by India was based on the
A) People’s will.
B) Natural boundaries.
C) Ruler’s will to accede.
D) Religion of the population.
Answer: D) Religion of the population.
Explanation: The annexation of Junagadh by India was influenced by the religious composition of the population. Although the ruler of Junagadh was a Muslim, the majority of the population was Hindu. India argued that the state should be part of India based on the demographic majority rather than the ruler’s decision. This principle of aligning princely states with the majority religion of their population played a significant role in the annexation process.
To resolve the problem of national language in Pakistan, the language declared as co-national language was
A) Urdu
B) Sindhi
C) English
D) Bengali
Answer: D) Bengali
Explanation: In the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan, Bengali was declared as a co-national language alongside Urdu. This decision was made to address the linguistic and cultural diversity of Pakistan, especially considering the significant Bengali-speaking population in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
The two rivers, other than Indus, whose rights were granted to Pakistan in the Indus Basin Water Treaty are
A) Ravi and Beas.
B) Ravi and Jhelum.
C) Beas and Chenab.
D) Chenab and Jhelum.
Pakistan Resolution 1940 is considered to be a turning point for the Muslims of the subcontinent because the resolution
A) Accepted the idea of a united India.
B) Demanded for provincial autonomy.
C) Safeguarded the rights of the minorities.
D) Demanded to have a separate homeland.
Answer D) Demanded to have a separate homeland.
Explanation: The Pakistan Resolution of 1940, also known as the Lahore Resolution, was a historic declaration made by the All-India Muslim League during its annual session in Lahore, on March 23, 1940. It is considered a turning point for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent because it formally called for the creation of “independent states” for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India, where they were in the majority. This demand was later interpreted as a call for the establishment of a separate Muslim homeland, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan in 1947.
This resolution was a shift from the earlier stance, where Muslims were seeking more autonomy within a united India. After this, the idea of a separate nation for Muslims gained momentum, and the demand for Pakistan became the primary objective of the Muslim League. Hence, option D is correct.
The MAJOR impact of the Congress Rule 1937-1939 on the Muslims of the subcontinent was that they realised that
A) United India can still be a possibility.
B) They need to elect Muslim representatives only.
C) Hindu majority rule would be unable to protect their rights.
D) Federation with provincial autonomy is the only possible solution.
Answer: C) Hindu majority rule would be unable to protect their rights.
Explanation: The Congress Rule of 1937-1939 had a significant impact on the political consciousness of the Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. When the Indian National Congress won provincial elections in 1937 and formed governments in several provinces, Muslims felt marginalized and alienated under Congress rule. The policies implemented by the Congress-led governments were perceived by Muslims as biased and discriminatory against their community, particularly in terms of employment, education, and cultural practices.
This experience convinced many Muslims that a Hindu-majority government would not adequately safeguard their political, economic, and social rights. The fear of being dominated by the Hindu majority led to the realization that their interests could not be protected in a united India governed by Congress. As a result, this period was crucial in shaping the demand for a separate Muslim homeland, which culminated in the Pakistan Resolution of 1940. Hence, option C is correct.
